An aesthetic doctor who relentlessly harassed his former girlfriend for more than a year has been convicted after a violent abduction that left her bruised, bloodied, and traumatized.
On Aug 5, 40-year-old Chua Cheng Yu pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including unlawful restraint, criminal force, harassment, and voluntarily causing hurt. He will be sentenced on Oct 1.
Chua, the founder of Veritas Medical Aesthetics, began dating the woman in 2022, but their relationship was marked by constant quarrels. By early 2023, the relationship had broken down.
According to court records, Chua’s behavior escalated from heated arguments to intimidation, threats, and violence. On several occasions, he forced his way into the victim’s home, damaged property, and assaulted her. He also threatened to share intimate images when she tried to distance herself.
The most terrifying incident unfolded on March 1, 2024, outside International Plaza. CCTV footage showed Chua forcing the woman into his car after she repeatedly rejected his pleas to talk. When she tried to escape through a car window at a traffic light, he pulled her back inside and sped off.
Near her home, she managed to leap from the moving car and run toward her condominium. Chua chased her down, tackled her to the ground, and dragged her across the road until she broke free and sought help from a security guard. She sustained multiple abrasions and bruises.
Chua was arrested hours later at a hotel basement in Novena.
The court heard that he has since been diagnosed with major depressive disorder. A report has been called to determine if he is eligible for a mandatory treatment order, which could allow psychiatric treatment instead of prison time.
Prosecutors have asked for a compensation order to cover the victim’s medical bills. She has also filed her own compensation claim.
